According to Edmunds Inside Line, DaimlerChrysler appears to be readying suppliers for production of the love/hate Imperial that debuted at the 2006 NAIAS in January. Perhaps the most interesting news is that DCX isn't only thinking about the possibility of utilizing a derivation of the LX/LY platform (which underpins the 300, Magnum, and Charger)--it's mulling dropping it on the chassis of the next-gen Mercedes-Benz R-Class crossover for 2010.
The current (and initial) iteration of the slow-selling R-Class is 203 inches in length--close to that of the Imperial concept's 214-inch elephantine span, and the present iteration has already proven its flexibility, accommodating a range of engines, transmissions and driveline configurations.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Gardiner Westbound @ Mar 2nd 2006 7:47AM
The photos make it look very chunky, like an overinflated child's toy. It must look better in real life.
Paul @ Mar 2nd 2006 8:03AM
Looks like there tryin to look more like a rolls royce or a bentley.lots of people like the looks of the chrysler 300.good job
JZeke @ Mar 2nd 2006 8:08AM
I really hope they rethink the "ghetto rolls" styling on this car regardless of the chassis. Whats wrong with trying some different architecture thats at once American AND elegant?
I work on yachts and sport yachts for a living, and it feels like recent American super-luxury products are at best a riff on Italian or British designs. I know people who choose American luxury products tend to be more conservative than those who buy a Riva, Wally or a Pagani. That still doesnt excuse designers of American luxury products of copycat-ism.
Cadillac almost lead a mini-revolution with its flamboyant (in proportions) yet restrained (in detailing) V16 concept of 2003. I dont see why Chrysler cant move that game forward in a radical yet tasteful way. This current Imperial is neither.
Puff Chippy @ Mar 2nd 2006 8:20AM
Looks like DCX has another hit on their hands if they make this one. It's a very beautiful and distinctive design. GM and Ford should take a styling lesson here if they didn't already in response to the 300/Charger.
CJ @ Mar 2nd 2006 8:24AM
It's not any better in real life really. Still chunky. Somebody will like it enough tho, just not my cup of tea. (Although I'm not a person they would be marketing it towards.)
Dan @ Mar 2nd 2006 9:44AM
Ewww... I was hoping this was a joke.
This has to be one of the worst designs that I've ever seen, including the Pontiac Aztek. Seriously, it looks like a fattened-up version of a Reliant K.
Why don't they just keep making the 300, and let those who are so inclined "pimp" them out with different grilles, chrome trim and stupid 20" rims?
Gunnar Heinrich @ Mar 2nd 2006 10:43AM
So if the Chrysler 300 was a Bentley knock off, the Imperial is a Phantom knock off?
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
Mark @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:07AM
Slow selling R-Class? It outsold both the M-Class and E-Class in February. How is it "slow selling"?
NEBTEK2002 @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:16AM
Count me among those who find this thing appalling.
The front end belongs on an over-the-road
tractor rig, not a luxury car.
By the way, if you're going to mix chrome and body color in your front end;blacked-out grille, fully-chromed bumper works much better for me than the opposite approach that's currently in vogue.
The classic Imperial, in my mind is the '64-'66 model run. Chrome, when properly applied, such as on these Imperials and the "suicide-door" '60s Lincolns, is awesome. Those cars had a thin strip of chrome around each wheelwell and a cap-strip of chrome fore-to-aft atop the fenders, doors and quarter panels. Their wheelcovers were fairly plain, yet elegant. Chrome as an accent, not as the focal point of the car--very tasteful.
Sticking it all on the Freightliner-sized wheels and grille and leaving the body dead-plain doesn't work for me.
Tone down the grille and switch to sensibly-sized wheels with a satin-finish chrome. Put a tastefully-modest cap piece of chrome down the length of the body and it might stand a chance with me.
JarryHames @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:19AM
I was also hoping that this car was a joke. I cannot believe that it going into production! I agree, this car is ghetto for sure. Chrysler needs to focus on refining their current hit, 300M. It is also quite ghetto. The only thing that they have going for them is the much hyped HEMI-roid.
TriShield @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:50AM
Building an Imperial is fine, but not if it's this concept. This is one awful looking show car and a blatant, Chinese-style ripoff of the Rolls Royce Phantom. This is unacceptable.
If Chrysler is hellbent on keeping this shape, they should make it look like a 21st century Airflight which might actually work with the proportions. That would be much more original and interesting than making a cheap Phantom and calling it an Imperial.
George @ Mar 2nd 2006 12:05PM
Somehow the appeal of this bloated tank of a car is lost on me.
J @ Mar 2nd 2006 12:07PM
if cars of 2010 look like that, i'm going to stop buying cars...
V?or Rubiera @ Mar 2nd 2006 12:08PM
The new Imperial should have the lines from the 64 Imperial, also it has to loose the Chrysler name and have suicide doors.
Jen @ Mar 2nd 2006 12:49PM
Think its pretty stylish
nastinupe @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:21PM
This is the best car in the world!!! It is something totally new and exciting. It is taking the automotive world to the next level. This is the car that we have been waiting for. When I first saw it, I knew that this will be the show stopper.
DC... you are headed in the right direction. The Imperial will take away sales from the DTS for sure.
Matt Keegan @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:29PM
The Imperial will be built and it is likely to incorporate design cues from the current LX body vehicles, the Bentley, as well as my great aunt's divan:
http://thearticlewriter.com/autowriter/is-there-an-imperial-in-chryslers-future/
John @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:43PM
When I saw the Imperial at NAIAS, what struck me were how awkward the proportions were. It seems too short and too high, top-heavy and not at all graceful. It might look better if it sat lower and was a few inches longer (though its awfully big to begin with).
Richard Warren @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:13PM
#9 "The classic Imperial, in my mind is the '64-'66 model run. Chrome, when properly applied, such as on these Imperials and the "suicide-door" '60s Lincolns, is awesome"
My thoughts exactly, that 64 through 66 run for the Imperial was geart, actully for 62 on were very nice. But nothing beats the suicide-door 60s Lincolns for sheer clean styling and class, they still look good today. What few people realize is those cars were engineered for a 20 year life when the average car of that period was about 3. I've looked for one for years but have not found the "right" one
Anyway back to this one, it's a concept guys, a few mionr changes and it could look very nice, just see the other article here re Rolls-Royce, check out the front end. It's all in the minor details.
max @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:18PM
"14. Think its pretty stylish
Posted at 12:49PM on Mar 2nd 2006 by Jen 0 stars"
Wow-a women commenting on Autoblog!